Existential distress among caregivers of patients with brain tumors: a review of the literature

Neuro-oncology Practice
Allison J ApplebaumEli L Diamond

Abstract

Attention to existential needs is a component of comprehensive oncologic care, and understanding these needs among informal caregivers of patients with brain tumors is necessary to provide them with comprehensive psychosocial care. The purpose of this systematic review was to synthesize the literature on existential distress experienced by these informal caregivers to inform the development of psychotherapeutic interventions for this population. A systematic review was conducted using electronic medical databases. Studies that examined any element of existential distress among informal caregivers of patients with brain tumors were included. A final sample of 35 articles was reviewed. Six existential themes emerged: identity; isolation; responsibility and guilt; death anxiety; deriving meaning and personal growth; and spirituality and religion. The unique existential experience of parenting a patient with a brain tumor also emerged. Existential distress in all areas was identified as experienced early in the cancer trajectory and as a critical, unmet need. Existential distress is well documented among informal caregivers of patients with brain tumors and is a significant driving force of burden. Awareness and acknowledgement of ...Continue Reading

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Citations

Feb 25, 2020·Leukemia & Lymphoma·Allison J ApplebaumEli L Diamond
Oct 12, 2018·Psycho-oncology·Sigrun Vehling, David W Kissane
Oct 18, 2020·Brain Sciences·Rita C CroomsBarbara G Vickrey
Oct 29, 2020·Child's Nervous System : ChNS : Official Journal of the International Society for Pediatric Neurosurgery·Wendy BeaudoinVivek Mehta
Jan 21, 2021·Journal of Palliative Care·Elaine Y L LungChristopher A Klinger
Jun 16, 2021·The American Journal of Hospice & Palliative Care·Andrea BoveroGiuliano Carlo Geminiani
Feb 7, 2021·European Journal of Cancer Care·Andrea Carolina BenitesManoel Antônio Dos Santos
Nov 25, 2021·Supportive Care in Cancer : Official Journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer·Andrea Carolina BenitesManoel Antônio Dos Santos

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